Karla Wursthorn
TN Ward Company
AIA / GBCA Committee
Women in Construction Week 2026| GBCA
As part of Women in Construction Week, GBCA is highlighting women who are actively shaping our organization and advancing the union commercial construction industry through leadership and committee involvement.
Karla Wursthorn of TN Ward Company serves as Co-Chair of the AIA / GBCA Committee, where she works to strengthen collaboration between architects and contractors and help guide meaningful industry dialogue.
Question 1: How does collaboration between architects and contractors create opportunities for more inclusive leadership—and how can women help strengthen that collaboration?
Stronger projects result when architects and contractors are engaged early and work as true partners, an approach I actively advocate for in my role as Co-Chair of the AIA/GBCA Committee. Our mission is to bring both sides together in meaningful, educational, and engaging ways, such as through activities like the 11th Hour Bid Simulation. I’ve learned that open communication with owners and architects leads to better cost control, constructability, scheduling, and overall project performance. At the end of the day, successful collaboration starts with listening, understanding the problem, and solving it together.
Question 2: Why is it important for women to have a voice at the committee and decision-making level within organizations like GBCA?
It’s important for women to have a voice at the committee and decision-making level within organizations like GBCA because these groups help shape the direction and priorities of the construction industry. Representation at that level ensures programs and initiatives reflect how work actually happens and leads to more thoughtful, effective outcomes for the industry.
Question 3: What initially drew you to a career in construction, and what has kept you in the industry?
I was initially drawn to construction through my background in architecture and a fascination with how ideas on paper turn into real buildings. I enjoy the fast-paced work of preconstruction and estimating, where early decisions can significantly influence a project’s success. I love that no two projects are ever the same, and that constant momentum, combined with the opportunity to keep learning, has kept me engaged in construction estimating throughout my 34-year career.
I’ve seen meaningful progress for women in the construction industry. Early in my career, I attended national conferences where I was often one of only a few women in the room. Today, it’s encouraging to see far more women not only attending, but also serving as speakers and leaders. Through my experience as an adjunct instructor dating back to 1999, I’ve also seen a significant increase in women enrolling in construction management programs, which bodes well for the future.
That said, gaps remain, particularly in the building trades. One of the biggest barriers to women entering the trades is a lack of early exposure and visible role models. When young women don’t see themselves represented on job sites, the industry often isn’t viewed as a viable option, despite offering stable, well-paid, and rewarding careers.
For women who want to become more involved in industry leadership or professional organizations, my advice is simple: step up, get involved, and stay engaged. There is no shortage of organizations that need committed volunteers. By participating in groups like GBCA, women not only advance their own careers, but also help strengthen and shape the future of the industry.
